Further Involvement
Beyond free community participation, taking a role in Evolving Ground (eG) provides focus and direction.
Vajrayana practice is highly personalized. Each role involves a distinct combination of personal contact and community participation. The roles are designed to support growing involvement though it often works well to become a pupil or solo practitioner without prior participation.
Find full descriptions of our gatherings here.
Four Distinct Roles
Movement between roles is flexible. We encourage yogis to switch when needed, adapting to life circumstances.
Contributor
An excellent way to learn more about life-affirming practice and get to know other community members.
As a contributor
You may be here for fun and fulfillment, stimulating conversation in book club, meeting others with a life-affirming practice, or finding helpful tips for meditation and off-cushion methods. Taking this role is also a way to test whether eG is a good fit for further involvement.
Monthly meetups you can access (more details)
Book Club discussion on a member-selected book
Life-Affirming Path meetup exploring non-renunciative practice and view
eG Practices each session introduces one of eG’s eleven core practices
$17 Monthly Pledge
Discord perks
Permission to create public threads and access to #contributors, #life-affirming-path, #eg-practices, & #book-club channels
Solo Practitioner
Great if you’re looking for personal consultation and access to more eG events & programs.
As a solo practitioner
You have an interest in deepening your established meditation practice. You’re most comfortable developing your experience through self-determined inquiry, with access to resources, suggestions for further reading, and personal guidance as and when you need it. You’ll have all the joys of the contributor role alongside access to additional meetups, programs, and discounted consultations with Jared.
Monthly meetups you can access (more details)
Book Club monthly discussion on a member-selected book
Life-Affirming Path meetup exploring non-renunciative practice and view
eG Fundamentals a 12 month journey on eG’s unique approach to Contemporary Vajrayana
Gompa core-community meetup with in-depth discussion on a new topic each month
eG Practices each session introduces one of eG’s eleven core practices
Natural Sitting presentation, practice, and Q&A on eG’s foundational Dzogchen meditation methods
$33 Monthly Pledge
Discord perks
Permission to create public threads and access to #book-club, #solo-practitioners, #life-affirming-path, #eg-practices, #natural-sitting, & #gompa channels
Discounts
15% off eG events & workshops after 2 months and 25% off personal coaching sessions with Jared
Pupil
A great way to deepen meditation practice, find peer group support, and arrange personal consultation when needed.
As a pupil
You love learning through interaction. You have access to monthly practice labs where you share your meditation experience and help others develop theirs. You’re also interested in applying eG’s approach to Contemporary Vajrayana in everyday circumstances and in off-cushion practice. For example, with regard to emotions, relationships, family, and working life.
Monthly meetups you can access (more details)
Book Club monthly discussion on a member-selected book
Life-Affirming Path meetup exploring non-renunciative practice and view
eG Fundamentals a 12 month journey on eG’s unique approach to Contemporary Vajrayana
Gompa core-community meetup with in-depth discussion on a new topic each month
Pupil Labs twice-monthly: a deep dive into personal practices in a small group of pupils
eG Practices each session introduces one of eG’s eleven core practices
Natural Sitting presentation, practice, and Q&A on eG’s foundational Dzogchen meditation methods
$44 Monthly Pledge
Discord perks
Permission to create public & private threads and access to #book-club, #pupils, #life-affirming-path, #eg-practices, #natural-sitting, & #gompa channels
Discounts
15% off events & workshops after 2 months, $50 off private coaching session with Charlie, and 50% off personal coaching sessions with Jared
Apprentice
At the heart of Evolving Ground, you integrate community involvement with project work and personal Contemporary Vajrayana practice.
Becoming an apprentice…
is a good fit for those with a heartfelt connection to the community, a strong desire to live Contemporary Vajrayana and work closely with Charlie and Jared to create eG’s future.
As an apprentice, you will be fully involved with eG’s development. You will have spent time participating in group events and establishing friendships with others in the community. You help develop our group culture, offerings, and healthy community norms.
Apprentices are committed to contributing practically to the community. For example, they host local in-person groups, run discussions, contribute to Discord channels, facilitate virtual meditation groups, and help create resources. Sometimes apprentices find unique ways to contribute based on a specialism or opportunity arising from their community involvement.
Project Work
Some apprentices choose to work together on long-term projects to work on eG resources, systems, and media.
Monthly meetups you can access (more details)
Book Club monthly discussion on a member-selected book
eG Fundamentals a 12 month journey on eG’s unique approach to Contemporary Vajrayana
Gompa core-community meetup with in-depth discussion on a new topic each month
Apprentice Labs meetup with Jared in small groups of two to four
eG Practices each session introduces one of eG’s eleven core practices
Natural Sitting presentation, practice, and Q&A on eG’s foundational Dzogchen meditation methods
All-Apprentice group meetup
Facilitators’ Training session with Charlie for apprentices who are hosting eG gatherings
$109 Monthly Pledge
Discord perks
Permission to create public & private threads and access to #book-club, #eg-methods, #natural-sitting, #apprentices, & #gompa channels
Discounts
20% off eG events & workshops after 2 months and discounts on personalized practice consultations with Charlie and Jared
Apprenticeship is by application only. We accept applications from people who are already involved and have regularly attended eG events. Learn more…
Questions about the eG roles, meetups, or community? Send them here.